HALIFAX -- A freedom of information request obtained by the NDP caucus shows that the Liberal government watered down a staff recommendation on emission targets. Department of Environment staff recommend a 50 per cent reduction target, but the Liberals announced a 45 per cent to 50 per cent target.

“I think we need to ask, why did the Premier decide to weaken the recommendations of the Department of Environment?” said Lenore Zann, NDP Environment spokesperson. “Who lobbied him to make this change?”

Stephen McNeil’s cap and trade plan has been widely criticized for letting big polluters off the hook for the damage they are causing to the environment. The Liberals’ plan does nothing to improve the emissions reduction target that Nova Scotia would reach even without a cap and trade system.

“Nova Scotia needs to do more to address climate change. The Liberals decision to give the big polluters free credits under the cap and trade system means there will be little action on the part of these companies to reduce their emissions,” said Zann.

The NDP Caucus has introduced legislation to require the province to meet the recommendations of the 2030 Declaration and reduce our emissions to 50 per cent of 1990 levels. The Liberals cap and trade scheme looks at a reduction of 45 to 50 per cent below 2005 levels.